United States battle hard to beat Puerto Rico and advance to semifinals

CHICLAYO, Peru, July 10, 2019 - United States won 3-1 (25-18, 25-20, 25-27, 25-19) to Puerto Rico and qualified to the semifinals of the XVIII Women's Pan American Cup, while Puerto Rico will play the quarterfinals.

Puerto Rico put pressure in all the sets, coming in with an advantage until the second technical time, but thereafter the United States took control, adjusting the blocking and the service.

Karsta Lowe, Kadie Rolften and Kingdon Rishel commanded the attack of the United States, but also were strong in blocking along with Rachael Adams and Hannah Tapp.

For Puerto Rico, Stephanie Enrigth contributed in attack and service, as did Aurea Cruz and Paulina Prieto, who along with Ana Jusino and Paola Rojas, took turns in blocking to stop their opponents.

Micha Hancock, captain of the United States: "Puerto Rico was a great opponent, they played hard every game, we could get this match being more combative and we hope to be more in the following matches. Definitely the teams that we could face later, like the Dominican Republic, will be demanding and will be tough matches. "

Natalia Valentín, captain of Puerto Rico: "This is the first level game we have this summer and with this we can see how and where we are for the biggest goal that is always to qualify for an Olympiad. The team is very close, we all contribute a grain of sand, we do not win, but we are motivated to continue improving our game. "

"With these high-level teams we have to improve the basic things, our team is young and the experience becomes a vital weapon to be a better team."

Robert Browning, coach of the United States: "We knew that Puerto Rico is a good team and that they were going to fight throughout the game, they play at a high level. They started very well, we both started very well in the first two sets, staying calm and playing as we know how to do. In the third set we made too many errors in service and attack, we can not give points to Puerto Rico. "

"The semifinals will be very close, we are anticipating that we have to play very well and we are ready for that."

José Mieles, coach of Puerto Rico: "We did not have the best match, for periods we were very well, for others we did not... rather the anxiety affected us a lot and we did not look at the small things of the game. Now to continue preparing for the next round and be among the best four. "

The United States and Puerto Rico move to the city of Trujillo to play the round of quarterfinals and semifinals starting next Friday.

You can follow the actions of the Pan American Cup in NORCECATV on the link www.internetv.tv